Former Barcelona president reveals blunt Atletico message over Julian Alvarez pursuit – “Don’t waste my time” | OneFootball

Joan Gaspart remains one of the most recognisable figures from Barcelona’s recent history. The Catalan businessman served as the club president between 2000 and 2003.

Even after so many years have passed since his time as president of the club, Gaspart remains an outspoken Barça supporter.

Speaking with Gerard Romero on Jijantes FC, Gaspart has revealed details of a direct conversation between him and Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin.

Gaspart given clear message by Atletico

Alvarez’s future continues to hang in the balance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The businessman disclosed that he attempted to talk to Marin about the possibility of Alvarez moving to Barça, and the response was straight.

“I spoke with Gil Marin yesterday and he told me that if I wanted to ask him about Barca and Julian, not to waste my time,” Gaspart revealed.

It is a response in line with the stance Atletico have maintained since the start of the summer, clearly stating that they will not sell the Argentine to Barça.

Even with just a week left in the transfer window, Los Colchoneros are showing absolutely no signs of giving in.

Alvarez remains Barça’s priority for the centre-forward operation, and the Catalans are prepared to keep pushing until the very end.

Alvarez and Atletico have a fractured relationship

Alvarez is enduring a very difficult time at Atletico Madrid, with broken promises effectively fracturing the relationship.

He has also earned the wrath of the fans at the Metropolitano, with the crowd booing him rather excessively during the 2-2 draw against Villarreal.

The 26-year-old came off the bench for Atletico and played close to half an hour while looking nowhere close to his usual level.

Atletico seem more open to selling Alvarez to Arsenal, but the striker is not considering a move to the Emirates and dreams of wearing Blaugrana.

Barcelona are running out of time but seem to have made a decision

Barcelona will wait for Alvarez. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Barça continue to hope that Atletico change their mind and agree to negotiate with them for a transfer this summer.

Should the Madrid-based club not budge from their stance, though, the Catalans do not seem too keen on the alternatives available in the market.

The latest development is that Barça are willing to go with no new striker in the new season if they are not able to land Alvarez.

It all seems to be coming down to Alvarez or no one for the Catalans, and it remains to be seen how this transfer saga develops in the final week of the transfer window.